August 2017

Everyone knows that one of the most important factors determining the quality of a rental experience is the actual physical home itself. However, what many people don’t realize before they move into a new rental home is that neighbors can have just as big an impact on the living experience.

One of the keys to having a good experience with your neighbors is to be a good neighbor yourself. Want to know more about how to get along and befriend the people around you? Check out these six tips. They can help you be sure that you’re not only respected by the people who live nearby, but are also looked after by them, too.

1. Communicate

One of the keys to any relationship—but particularly the neighborly kind—is communication. It may be tempting to leave your neighbor be and stick to yourself, but if you want to be a good neighbor, it’s important to communicate from the get-go.

Introduce yourself right after you move in; then continue to say “hello” when you run into one another. Some other important things to communicate about are problems with the building and, when you feel comfortable, times you’ll be away from your home.

By communicating with neighbors, you not only show them that you are a nice person who can be trusted, you also create an ally in your living space. Maybe you’ll even make a new friend.

2. Be Social

Another great way to establish communication (and also establish yourself as a friendly person) is to be social. Organize a potluck or picnic for everyone that lives in your building or neighborhood, or make sure to show up at community events. You can show your neighbors that not only do you want to know them, but you also want them to know each other, and that you’re interested in fostering a community where you live.

3. Be on the Lookout

One of the best parts about a neighbor is that they can be around your home to help you out when needed, so you should be there for your neighbor, too. Always keep watch and be protective of your neighbors’ homes, as well as your own. This means that should something bad happen, you’ll be able to intervene or alert them. Showing that you care about their space as well as yours is an excellent way to endear yourself to neighbors and to ensure you have someone looking out for your place and belongings as well.

4. Be Respectful

Everyone wants to live on their own terms, but it’s important to be respectful of other peoples’ time and space, particularly when you’re sharing a living area like an apartment community. It’s a good policy to avoid loud parties late at night and warn people who will be affected by noise from your home if you are planning to have a loud gathering. Also, being respectful entails being mindful of shared walls, keeping your outdoor/shared space clean, and not using your space for anything dangerous or unpleasant to your neighbors.

5. Do Favors

It doesn’t have to be an everyday thing, but every once in a while a small favor can go a long way. Putting out a little energy to do something nice will show that you’re a generous and considerate person, and it may just result in favors being done for you.

6. Train Your Pets

Pets can be great additions to a home, but they can also be a nuisance to other people. So, for your neighbors’ sake, train your dog. Your pets shouldn’t be overly noisy, and it’s essential that you clean up after them. Being a good pet owner is the only way to ensure your neighbors love your pet and don’t resent him.